The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation has forwarded a proposal to lease operations of the Mattala International Airport to two Indian and Russian companies to the Cabinet. Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra indicated that further actions will be taken pending Cabinet approval. Under the proposal, the airport's operations will be managed by the two foreign companies, with the Sri Lankan government receiving a share of the revenue.
Additionally, the companies will have the authority to recruit additional staff beyond the current workforce at the airport.